The Parables of Jesus

by Tomie dePaola

This beautiful collection includes the best-known parables of the Prodigal Son, the Mustard Seed,the Lost Sheep, and fourteen others. The retellings are lyrically written but also accessible to youngchildren. Tomie dePaola drew his inspiration for the gemlike illustrations from early Christian art of theRomanesque period. Originally published as The Parables of Jesus and unavailable for many years, thisopulent edition features a graceful new design.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, New Testament

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Meredith Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely addition for any libray.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this wonderfully illustrated picture book are seventeen parables told by Jesus. They were adapted from the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke. Scripture references are listed in the front of the book.
Parables included are as follows:
The sower;
The weeds and the wheat;
The good Samaritan;
The insistent friend;
The mustard seed;
The leaven;
The hidden treasure;
The pearl of great price;
The net;
The lost silver piece;
The lost sheep;
The unforgiving servant;
The laborers oh, stop in the vineyard;
The prodigal son;
The wise and the foolish virgins;
The great feast;
The Pharisees and the publican.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selected parables told from the Bible and brought to life through dePaola’s illustrations and style. dePaola emphasizes that he is working in two dimensions, while using symbols in repetition. Each illustration, although done in cartoon-like style, appears to be stained glass with light shining through. Standouts include “The Insistent Friend” and “The List Sheep.” dePaoloa includes on the final page a plate, without text, of a young monk with candle, almost certainly his own visual inclusion in the product.

[Denise Kruse · Rating 3 out of 5]

While beautifully illustrated, there is not enough explanation of the parables.

[Amy Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tomie dePaola's illustrations. This is a great book. Prompts discussion.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful depictions of the Parables as found in scripture. dePaola's simple, yet profound, illustrations draw the reader into the text so well. We loved reading these each morning.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I of course love the parables of Jesus, and dePaola's illustrations match up with the stories so well. Awesome to be able to visualize these important words of Jesus.

[Ricardo Bizarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

DePaola, Tomie. The Parables of Jesus. New York: Holiday House, Inc, 1987.

Awards: No awards

Summary: This is the well known biblical parable taken from Luke 15:4-7; and Matthew 18:12-14 titled The Lost Sheep. It is about a sheep that strays away and the Sheppard (Jesus) leaves the other 99 sheep to go look after the lost sheep and once he finds the sheep, the parable ends with “And in heaven, there will be more joy over one sinner who has repented than ninety-nine righteous people who have no need for repentance”, beautiful.

Analysis: This is a beautiful Christian parable that is self-explanatory. The illustrations are dull and boring and portray the Sheppard as an average Joe (not Jesus). The theme is quoted above. The tone is calm and lesson-like. This is an example of high quality traditional literature.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma and I enjoyed reading this book together, too. In it Tomie dePaola retells 17 of Jesus' parables. Emma's favorites are The Good Samaritan and The Mustard Seed. Mine are The Unforgiving Servant and The Pharisee and the Publican.

I wish the book included a basic explanation of what the parables mean. As an adult I have the most trouble with The Insistent Friend, The Lost Sheep, The Laborers in the Vineyard, The Prodigal Son, and The Wise and the Foolish Virgins.

The illustrations are classic TdP and lovely in their severity and subdued colors.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feb 2017: This book simplifies some parables from the Bible, but they are still a little above my five year old's understanding. It may be interesting to read this again when he's older.

March 2021: I think these are still over my nine and six year olds’ heads, but repetition is the key to learning, right?

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, the illustrations are wonderful in a very Tomie dePaola-ish way. The parables are told in a straight-forward way, not dumbed down.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, this is an obvious inclusion in dePaola's **write all the Catholic things** phase, but it's my least favorite. Although it's neat to have all of the main parables in one place.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

dePaolo's illustrations are beautiful and the timeless parables are accessible without being dumbed down.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

These parables are a bit difficult to understand. There is not much help in understanding these and they are presented fairly black and white without explanation of what a pharisee is for example.